China BANS Islamic Fasting During Ramadan in Xinjiang

China BANS Islamic Fasting During Ramadan in Xinjiang Ordering Restaurants to Remain Open

Ramadan began on a sad note in Muslim-majority region Xinjiang, home to about 10 million Uyghur (Uighur) Muslims, with a ban on fasting and other restrictions by China. The clampdown covers civil servants, students and children, reported AFP on Monday, citing government websites.

China’s ruling Communist party has imposed the ban on government employees and minors from fasting in Xinjiang over the years, besides asking eateries to remain open, the agency added.

“Party members, cadres, civil servants, students and minors must not fast for Ramadan and must not take part in religious activities,” AFP quoted a notice posted on Thursday on the government website of central Xinjiang’s Korla city as saying.

“During the Ramadan month, food and drink businesses must not close,” it added.

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